Inside The Bills

Parrish safe on roster

Bills head coach Dick Jauron hasn’t dressed Roscoe Parrish the past few games, but he made it clear that he intends to keep Parrish on his roster.

When asked if there’s a role for Roscoe Parrish on returns moving forward or even on the team, Jauron responded with the following.

“Well definitely on the team, there’s no doubt about that,” said Jauron. “I think we’ll just stay where we’ve been where we’ll go week to week making the decision on Roscoe, whether it’s active or not. Obviously very happy with Fred (Jackson) and what he’s done in the return game. But (there’s) definitely a place for Roscoe on our football team.”

Buffalo has a roster decision to make in an hour (4pm) if they in fact activate James Hardy to the 53-man roster before today’s deadline. Judging by Dick Jauron’s comment this afternoon that roster move will not be made at Parrish’s expense.

Hardy decision coming soon

Bills head coach Dick Jauron is prepared to make a decision on James Hardy, but it’s unlikely to come this week.

“James has done a real nice job. We have that 21-day window and my understanding is it runs right through next Wednesday, so we’ll keep looking at it and look at our roster and see what we can do and what we think at that point,” said Jauron. ”We’ll run it right up to the time.”

The deadline for Jauron and his staff to make a decision is Nov. 11, and it sounds as if Jauron intends to use all of the time allotted to him to make that call.

Hardy likely to be activated

It probably won’t happen this week, but WR James Hardy stands a very good chance of being activated next week when the 21-day window in which he can practice with the team while still on Reserve/PUP closes.

“Unless something unexpected occurs I think you could definitely lean that way,” said Dick Jauron of Hardy’s chances of being added to the 53-man roster. ”We have to see where it goes personnel-wise where we have to go.”

Upon having it relayed to him that there’s a good chance he’ll be brought up to the active roster, Hardy sounded pleased.

“That’s great news I’m ready,” Hardy said. ”I feel great. I feel I’ve had two weeks to come back. I’ve done pretty well in practice and now I just want to move forward so I can get back on the field.”

The 21-day practice window closes on Wednesday Nov. 11. At that point the team must decide whether to activate him or put him on season ending injured reserve.

The roster decision is where things get sticky. Buffalo has to move a player off the 53-man roster to make room for Hardy. None of the injured players appear to have a season ending injury, which would move them to injured reserve and create a roster opening.

Really the crux of the issue with Hardy is the fact that the Bills already have six receivers on their roster and it’s very unusual to carry seven. Unless the team decides to I-R an injured player, they could very well waive another receiver.

The only receiver that has been inactive the past two games has been Roscoe Parrish, who served as the team’s emergency quarterback.

As for how Hardy has performed in a week and a half of practice Jauron gave the following assessment.

“I think he’s been doing fine,” said Jauron. ”I know that I told you at the end of the first week he said he was very sore, but that was his first week of football in a long, long time. He’s confident, he’s gaining more confidence every day. He’s running routes every day against the defensive backs and he’s competing and he wants it. He really misses it.”

Latest on Hardy

Bills WR James Hardy is working his way through his second week of practice, but he’s just eight days into the 21-day window that the team has to evaluate where he’s at and if he’s ready to rejoin the active roster. Head coach Dick Jauron commented on where Hardy stands at this point.

“He’s in that 21-day window and we’re entering the second week of it so he’s doing well,” said Jauron. “He’s practicing hard. He said at the end of last week he was sore. He told me he was sore, but it was the kind of soreness you would get when you haven’t been practicing at all. It was muscle soreness that kind of thing. I had a talk with him yesterday, he said he’s feeling good.”

As for when they’ll make a roster decision him Jauron is happy to use all the time allotted to the team.

“We’ll just see where it goes because we have the 21 days and we’ll see what occurs in that time, but he’s done well.”

Thurs. player radio appearances

Here’s the list of Bills players scheduled to appear on local and national airwaves on Thursday.

Keith Ellison – Morning Bull, 103.3 The Edge @ 7:15 AM. If you’re outside the listening area you can also listen online.

James Hardy –1260 WNDE in Indianapolis @ 2 PM

Terrence McGee – Sirius NFL Radio with Marty Schottenheimer & Solomon Wilcots @ 1:50 PM

Seth McKinney – 97.5 ESPN Radio in Houston @ around 2 PM

Jauron on Hardy’s PUP status

James Hardy may have returned to the practice setting on Wednesday, but the Bills coaching staff won’t be rushing to make any decisions on his status with respect to the active roster.

“His time frame is real clear,” said Jauron. “We have 21 days from the start of it and then we have to make a decision. he hasn’t been on the field in a long time, it’s been close to a year. So we’ll take it a little bit slow. In other words it’s not going to be this week. Hopefully that doesn’t disappoint him, but I think that would be a little bit careless.

“It’s just great to see him back out there. I watched him on a number of routes that he ran for our look squad and he ran hard and he doesn’t seem to favor it at all. And he’s worked awfully hard to come back so we’re excited to have him. And now that the clock is running, we’ve got 21 days and we’ll see where it goes.”

Presumably the staff will watch him for a couple of weeks in the practice setting and make a call on his status. However, with six receivers already on the roster it’s going to be interesting to see what the coaching staff decides to do. Having 7 receivers on a 53-man roster is unusual.

Hardy happy

To say it’s been a long 10 months would be an understatement for James Hardy. That’s why his first day on the practice field with his teammates was something he had trouble putting into words.

“I sort of forgot what it felt like to be out there with 10 other guys,” said Hardy after Wednesday’s practice. ”I just can’t even explain the feeling that it was to be out there and be part of something again. I sort of felt like an outcast these past 10 months, but now the process is over and I just want to ease myself back in and get ready to go.”

It was clear that Hardy was very grateful to be back on the field again after working so hard to get back.

Hardy is still on Reserve/PUP as the team has three weeks to evaluate him in the practice setting before deciding whether or not to add him to the active roster. Hardy moved well during individual drills when he was running his routes.

Hardy back

As we reported on the home page of Buffalobills.com James Hardy is practicing with his teammates for the first time today.

Hardy is moving well running routes. He is still on the Reserve/PUP list and not yet on the active roster.

Schefter: Parrish could still be moved

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bills WR Roscoe Parrish could still be moved before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

On the ESPN NFL Countdown show, Schefter said the following about what players could still be moved before Tuesday.

“The player that’s most likely to be dealt by Tuesday – Roscoe Parrish. Not a big name but … if the Bills can get a fourth round pick, maybe a third round pick, Roscoe Parrish is gone.”

Parrish is inactive today, so that only lends further credence to possibly moving him as he’s guaranteed to remain healthy by not playing today. Personally I’d be surprised if the Bills can get a 3rd or 4th for him.

That being said with the news that James Hardy is expected to begin practicing with the team this week, they will eventually need a roster spot opened for him, and carrying seven receivers is unlikely.

Fan Friday 10-16

Fan Friday 10-16
We plow ahead into Week 6. The Bills might be struggling, but we press on with Fan Friday. Questions go to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

 
1. Chris,
 
Quick question.  With the injury to Poz, who on the defense has the ‘headset’ in the helmet?  Is it Buggs, or is it Ellison?  Thanks.
 
-Paul
Lifelong Bills Fan, Ex-WNYer now living in Maryland

CB: Well when Poz first went out and was replaced by Marcus Buggs, Buggs had the radio helmet. When he was replaced by Kawika Mitchell, he had the radio helmet. And finally when Mitchell was hurt last week against Cleveland, Keith Ellison grabbed the radio helmet.

But with Poz expected to start this week (he’s probable), Poz will have the radio helmet with Ellison as the backup provided he plays. Catch all that?

2. Chris,
 
I was wondering why McGee hasn’t been taking kickoffs in place of McKelvin? In my opinion, McGee was one of the best kick returners we had in many years. Thanks!
 
Steve Barker
Fredericksburg, VA

CB: Truth be told Buffalo’s kick return average has improved from the first week McKelvin went out until now, albeit marginally (20th to 18th). That being said, you will get no arguments from me about putting McGee back there. He’s one of the best kick returners I have ever seen. However, he is nursing a sore knee so giving him extra work really isn’t an option this week.

3. Chris,
Has the NFL addressed the possible expansion of the 53 man roster due to all the injuries on every club,every year?
Al in Syracuse

CB: I don’t see it changing because more players means more payroll and less profit for NFL owners. I know coaches would like to see it, but unless the new CBA negotiations add games to the regular season schedule (18 game regular season) I can’t see the roster size increasing.

4. Chris;
 
Thanks for taking my question.  Do you think Coach Jauron has any thoughts on playing Jamon Meredith to see what he has?  I do not see the Bills doing much this year and with Butler on I-R.  At least get some game action with Meredith and see what he can do.  He can’t be any worse.
 
Also, why was Seth McKinney playing goal line defense in Miami?  Was it merely a case that McCargo was inactive and they needed an extra wide body?
 
Thanks,
Pete  

CB: Jamon Meredith is expected to start Sunday with Jonathan Scott out due to an ankle injury. So it seems they’re willing to try him there, but making your first NFL start on the road alongside another rookie is a precarious situation as I see it. Guess we’ll find out what he can do in a hurry.

As for McKinney, you’re correct. McCargo was inactive for the Miami game, so with just three defensive tackles active, they needed another wide body in there for goal line defense.

5. Hi Chris,
 
2 part question for you:
1. Wondering how James Hardy’s rehabilitation is going with his knee? I think I remember you writing that the Bills have the first 6 weeks of the season to decide whether or not to bring him to the active roster or to permanantly place him on IR for ’09. 
2. If they bring him back, which player comes off the roster at this point?
 
Thank you,
Anthony

CB: James is doing very well. What can happen after Monday Oct. 19 is he can become eligible to begin practicing with the team if they feel he is ready to do so. That would begin a 21-day practice period in which he can practice with the team, but he does not have to be added to the active roster during that time.

At the end of the three week practice period the team must decide at that time whether to add him to the active roster or put him on season-ending injured reserve. And yes another player would have to be waived to make room for him on the roster. Who that player is would be up to the coaching staff.

The staff does not have to begin practicing him this week. They could wait another week or two weeks to begin the 21-day practice windown period.

Lynch on reserve/suspended list

The Bills did not announce it because the league makes the designation, but Marshawn Lynch has been placed on the reserve/suspended list meaning he currently does not count toward a roster spot.

So the Bills get down to 53 by virtue of that designation.

James Hardy was also placed on Reserve/PUP meaning he will not be able to practice with the team until the end of Week 6 at the earliest. Truthfully it was a wise decision. It affords Hardy a month and a half more to build up stamina in his knee to withstand the daily rigors of practice and games.

Fan Friday 9-4

Well some big stuff going down at One Bills Drive today. Here are some of your questions.

1. Hi Chris:

Lifelong Bills fan from Long Island here. Just got the news about Schonert.
Tough break….but something needed to be done.

Any thoughts from the organization in bringing Kelly in as a consultant or on the staff since he is SO familiar with the no huddle?

Good luck and GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!
Ed Norris

CB: Jim Kelly has stated time and again that he does not have an interest in coaching. A consultant however, is interesting. That being said, Alex Van Pelt was a reserve QB behind Kelly when the K-Gun was being run here. So Van Pelt knows it just as well as Kelly does.

We’ll see how he approaches the use of the no huddle, which Dick Jauron said will continue despite the firing of Turk Schonert. I’m both happy for Van Pelt and concerned for him.

Yes, it’s a good opportunity, but how many of you would want to be handed a play calling job with 10 days to prepare and you’re facing Belichick? I think Van Pelt is more than capable, but I think he’d prefer to have more than 10 days to prepare, especially since he hasn’t called plays in a game since 2005.

It’s a tough spot. If he comes through he’ll be a hero. He’s got my support, I just wish the circumstances were different for him.
2. Dear, Chris
 
How is Dominic Rhodes handling 3rd team offence, because with his track record of being a solid # 2 back, with about 8 carries and 7 catches a game throughout his career, but now with buffalo he might get that the first 3 games but after that, he might be inactive with our deep Wr and Db corps. The bills ran w/ 2 Rb’s active last year they’ll probably do it again. Is he banking on Special Teams, im not sure why he wanted to go to the bills, i understand why the bills pick him up. How many years is his contract?
 
~  Will-O

CB: Rhodes has a 2-year deal with Buffalo. I think they’ll use him for the first three games in the same way they’ve used Fred Jackson when Marshawn was the feature back. Of course with Alex Van Pelt now the play caller that could change.

Rhodes is a proven back and for a smaller guy he runs tough between the tackles. He’s a proven receiver out of the backfield. I think there are several ways Van Pelt and Eric Studesville can make use of him even when Lynch is back with the team.
3. Hey Chris,
 I am completely obsessed with the battle for the NB position. Who do you think will end up getting it since we have so much depth? I think Florence will get it though Corner deserves it. Plus I wish Corner would get the chance because he is starting to really prove himself and make plays. Watching him play on TV, there is something about him that says potential starter and I think getting the younger guy in there will give them a chance to train him to be a starter one day. Plus, though I love Youboty (being an OSU fan and all) but he cant really stay healthy?

Thanks and keep up the great work!
Jim (Ohio)

CB: Thanks for the kind words Jim. As for the nickel back role it’s going to be interesting to see what transpires there. Florence had a stranglehold on the job before he suffered the sprained knee in the Chicago game. He’s expected to begin practicing with the team again the middle of this coming week.

But Corner has really been excellent filling the void. I think the coaching staff prefers Florence only because he’s stronger than Corner physically. And that’s important especially in 3rd and short to 3rd and medium situations. The reason why is if it’s 3rd-and-3 teams usually pass, but if they see a smaller nickel corner sitting in the slot, they’ll try to run right at him to get the first down.

I’m not saying the Corner is not good in run support. I’m just saying that Florence is a little better and would be a little more of a deterrent to teams thinking about running on a 3rd-and-3 if he’s in there. That being said Corner has proven to be more opportunistic in defending the pass. He led the team in INTs this preseason with 3, including one that he returned for TD.

It’s going to be a very tough call, and likely will depend a lot on how Florence looks on the practice field this week.
4. Hey Chris,

 Ive was wondering what your opinion was of the bills offense this year. According to the coaching staff our line is better. Now I have a hard time believing that just becuase of the lack of production. The only good drive the 1st team had going was at the Hall of Fame game when they were driving on the Titans. That ended in a pick becuase of O-line getting pushed back and not being able to create a good pocket. I guess my biggest concern is everyone says this is a make or break yr for Edwards. If the O-line doesn’t get it together I would hate to see Edwards be the fall guy for poor offensive production. I believe he has alot of upside to him and I think if given time to throw he could be a very good franchise QB. What is your opinion on how the Offense will perform from what you have seen in the practices?
Thank you,

Garrett from PA

CB: I think the offense will have its ups and downs this season because of the wholesale changes up front. That degree of change doesn’t just mesh together in a couple of months. I think it could take half a season. Now that doesn’t mean that the line isn’t talented. I think there’s a lot of quality talent up front with this group. Jelling together is what takes time.

I believe this is an O-line that can be better than the one last year. I just don’t know how quickly we’ll see signs of that.
5. Hey Chris,

James Hardy has not practiced yet, right? When do they expect him to be ready? Can he contribute this year?

Doug
Syracuse

CB: No, he has not been cleared to practice. The problem is the stamina in his knee isn’t sufficient to get through practice day after day. I expect him to be placed on Reserve/PUP which would give him until the end of Week 6 to build up the endurance in that knee to the point where he can practice with the team again.

Reserve/PUP Hardy’s likely destination

While it’s not a lock, there is a very strong likelihood that WR James Hardy is placed on Reserve/PUP when the Bills decide on their 53-man roster this weekend.

As we chronicled in ‘Hardy still hopeful’ on Buffalobills.com today the second-year wideout has been busting his tail since his mid-January surgery to repair his torn ACL. But Buffalo has one more practice this week today before Thursday’s preseason finale against Detroit, the game Hardy had targeted for his return.

At this point Hardy’s knee just doesn’t have the stamina to get through practice day in and day out, which is why he currently is on Active/PUP as he has been since the start of training camp.

Talking to Hardy yesterday even he seems to have come to the realization that being ready for Week 1 is probably not going to happen for him, even though his competitive drive is still telling him otherwise. 

“My head is telling me that I’m able to go right now. But when I do it and I start doing something I go to the extreme until I’m exhausted and can’t run out there with guys,” said Hardy of some of the defensive backs he’s had play against in his individual rehab training. ”And then later on when I feel it (the soreness) I just think, man I shouldn’t have done that, they told me not to do too much and I did too much on this day. So I just don’t want to put myself in that position and just come back healthy. Hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.”

So Hardy seems to realize that he would really have to push his knee at this time to be able to keep up for an entire practice each and every day with the team. And I think even he knows his knee isn’t able to do that right now. 

Buffalo’s athletic training staff is one of the best in the business. They don’t rush anything. Their philosophy is slow and steady and it has proven to be an effective one is getting Bills players back on the field for good without setbacks.

That’s why Reserve/PUP looks to be the best option for Hardy.

It would give him an extra two months to get his knee in top form and then he will have the chance to really show the coaching staff he’s ready to return and make an impact. It also makes life easier on the coaching staff to make their final roster decisions at receiver.

The coaches would be able to keep their top 6 (Evans, Owens, Reed, Parrish, Johnson, Jenkins) while Hardy takes the necessary time to be ready at midseason.

James Hardy on Tiny and Toya show tonight

Bills WR James Hardy has been pumping Terrell Owens for information on becoming a successful NFL receiver. Whether he asked him about how to perform in a TV reality series is another matter. But Owens has some competition as Hardy will appear on the Tiny and Toya reality show on BET tonight.

The show is about the former wives of hip hop stars Lil’ Wayne and T.I. and Toya (Antonia Carter) in tonight’s episode goes on a blind date with Hardy. I don’t know any other details besides that, but they likely went out more than once as this photo (below) was on a blog that tracks the show and provides reviews of the episodes. The episode airs at 10pm.

Fan Friday 8-21

Another training camp is in the books, but preseason continues, and Aaron Maybin is in. Here’s some of your latest and greatest questions. Keep them coming.

1. Chris;
 
Every time I see Trent get ready to throw the ball, he keeps looking right at the receiver. Don’t you think,as I do,that the opponents see that and know exactly where to go? Shouldn’t he try to bluff a little?
 
Thanks.
Sonny, LF.

CB:  While I agree that looking off safeties before delivering the ball to the primary or secondary target is important, I do not agree that Trent does that every time he throws the ball. In fact I think he’s improved in this area a lot over this past offseason.

I’m not saying he’s perfected looking safeties off down in and down out, but I think he’s made significant strides in that area of his game. The only time I’ve seen him stare down a receiver so far this summer is on his interception in the Hall of Fame game. He did look at Lee for a bit on that play. Other than that he’s been much better.

2. Chris: With Marshawn Lynch sitting out the first three games of the year, do you think Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes can shoulder the load? Will teams respect the Bills’ running game, given that their primary weapon is not there?
 
With the changing of the offensive line, do you think the Bills’ will successfully protect Trent Edwards?
 
Tony Falzone, Daytona Beach, Fl

CB: I think the Bills running game won’t drop off much with Jackson and Rhodes, and one team that respects Jackson more than anyone is New England after he ran for over 100 against them in the season finale last year. With that ridiculous wind they knew he was going to run and they still could not stop him. I think Rhodes and Jackson are more than capable for three games.

As for the line protecting Trent I think it will be a work in progress. Even coach Jauron is expecting some growing pains. It’s a lot to pull together in one offseason, but if this no huddle can work effectively at top speed it could help mask some of those growing pains up front.
3. Hi Chris,
 
I was wondering, with all the talent at the WR position this season, how many WR’s do you see the Bills keeping and who do you think that it will be?

I mean Evans, T.O. and probably Reed are the obvious choices, but after that? What are the chances for Parrish, Hardy, Steve Johnson and the other WR’s currently on the roster.
 
Thanks for taking you time to answer the questions of the non-US fans and go Bills!
 
Niels Wester, Denmark

CB:It’s certainly going to be a tough set of decisions for that position. You’re right the top five right now are Evans, Owens, Reed, Parrish and Johnson. In two out of the three previous seasons under Jauron they’ve kept six receivers on the 53-man roster. In all likelihood the sixth receiver will be James Hardy.

Justin Jenkins I believe deserves an awful lot of consideration. He’s improved his route running a great deal and is one of the two best gunners on the special teams top ranked punt team.

Logicall it’s hard to see how a coaching staff as much as they would like, can keep seven receivers. They’d be pulling away from some other position. However, there is one way I could see them keeping seven receivers and that’s with the extra roster spot they’d have at their disposal due to the suspension of Marshawn Lynch.

Effective Sept. 5, the Bills could and probably will put Lynch on the reserve/suspended list and he would not count toward a roster spot when the roster is reduced to 53. With that extra spot at their disposal they could choose to use it on a seventh receiver.

Three weeks later when the Lynch’s suspension is over they’ll have to make a decision again to make room for Lynch on the roster. But who knows, there could be an injury at the receiver position over those first three weeks and suddenly they’re down to six receivers.

I know it’s probably unlikely, but with the Lynch suspension they’ll have an extra roster spot to play with. Maybe just maybe they keep seven WRs.
4. Hi Chris,

How is Alvin Bowen coming along? I know he had a good training camp last year but went down due to injury. Does he have any chance at starting over Ellison?

Thanks.
Kay

CB: Bowen is doing well. Since Ashlee Palmer suffered an ankle injury in the HOF game Bowen has moved up to the second unit at weak side LB behind Kawika Mitchell. However, I do not think he displaces Ellison as the starter. The most likely candidate to do that is rookie Nic Harris, who is having a solid preseason.

5. Hey Chris,
 
I’m reading an article from Pat Kirwan of nfl.com and it says that the Bills plan to implement some 3-4 defense this year. I was wondering if you had any idea how often that will happen, and what the line-up would be in such a formation?
 
I assume Stroud in the middle is a given, and on the outside Schobel and Kelsay? Or would they potentially mix in Spencer Johnson, for more of a typically large 3-4 DE?
 
What about the linebackers? Who becomes the second ILB with Poz? Would Maybin get some opportunities as a pass-rushing OLB?
 
Thanks Chris!
 
–Brad

CB: No information as to how often we might see it this season, and I haven’t seen it in the camp practices at all under the live team work setting. I think the main reason for considering it is Aaron Maybin. Much like you do I do foresee them sometimes using Maybin as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 kind of look. That would obviously only be in obvious passing situations, so that’s when I’d be on the lookout for it.

Since it would be a passing situation I’d also expect to see Schobel and possibly Chris Ellis at the ends.

Owens provides Hardy with encouragement

Last week James Hardy was running routes at about three-quarter speed on the side with a trainer after his teammates finished practiced and he was catching passes as well. Terrell Owens, who has been a mentor of sorts for Hardy through the course of training camp made sure to watch him.

Owens observed Hardy’s route running work and technique for the whole 15 minutes. When it was over, Owens told him he was pretty good. And the two continued talking as they made their way to the locker room. It’s evident that Hardy puts a lot of stock in what Owens tells him and Owens has been very generous with his time with the second-year wideout. For more on this mentor-mentee relationship check out the home page of Buffalobills.com right now.

Nelson not at practice

Despite reports to the contrary that he’s signed, fourth-round pick Shawn Nelson is not at practice this morning. Obviously the other unsigned draft picks are not either (Maybin, Wood, Levitre, Byrd).

Also not in attendance is John DiGiorgio.

James Hardy and C.J. Hawthorne as expected are not practicing.

James Hardy day

It’s the first annual James Hardy day tomorrow (June 13th) in the Buffalo receiver’s hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The event is centered around a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with an adult bracket (18 & over) and a high school bracket. It takes place at McMillen Park in Fort Wayne with a cookout after the tournament is over.

Hardy obviously will not be participating as he is just five months removed from ACL surgery, but as most know he originally went to Indiana University as a basketball recruit.

PUP for Hardy or DiGiorgio?

Still rehabbing from ACL surgery James Hardy and John DiGiorgio did not participate at all in the Bills’ OTA or minicamp practices. Their chances of participating are much greater for training camp in six weeks, but when asked if both could start camp on PUP, head coach Dick Jauron did not rule it out.

“Yes, it’s a possibility,” said Jauron.

Hardy has said several times he intends to be ready by the last week in training camp to practice fully. DiGiorgio figures to be even further ahead than Hardy having torn his ACL in Week 5 last season, where Hardy tore his in Week 15.

If PUP is a necessary step for either of them, it’s logical to think that both would be placed on Active-PUP, meaning as soon as they can pass their physical they would be able to come off PUP and practice.

If they’re put on Reserve-PUP then they would automatically be out until at least Week 6 of the regular season.

At that point they could begin a three week practice window giving the team some time to determine whether to activate the player or leave him on PUP for the remainder of the season.  However, I’d be very surprised if that happened.

James Hardy radio appearance

James Hardy will be a guest on The Fan 590 in Torontoon Tuesday at 8:05 am. If you’re outside the listening area you can listen live online. Hardy has been doing more and more through the spring and was even doing some light cutting at half speed in work with the trainers last week.